Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1887-12-23
Christmas at their home on the Hudson,
and since Mrs. Rider became n widow.

Christmas at their home on the Hudson,
and since Mrs, Rider became widow,
she still followed the old fashion. A
month before they bad made the ac-
quaintapce Of, their titled guest, who
succeeded in impressipg both mother and
daughter so fayorably that he procured
an invitation for Christmas. and had
been already installed two or three days
with them when Jack arrived.
The two men stared at each other and
felt mutually antagonistic. The Hon.
orable Algernon, however, did not play
the lover to any provoking extent, and
after dinner jack had the interview he
sought, the result Of which was that he
felt sure that the two foolish women had
been dazzled by the thought of an alli-
ance with noble English family, and
that Constance lovod him still That
they knew nothing Of the man or his
antecedents was clear, and Jack at once
devoted hin elf to enltivating the ac-
! quaiatance Of his fellow guest, with the
yiewof learning something of his past
history The Honorable Algernon ap-
peared to- talk freely, but Jack soon dis
covered that he was fencing, and en-
deavoring to divert the conversation into
other channels. Suddenly Jack turned
to him, and, keeping his eyes steadily
fixed upon him, said:
Were you ever in Santa Fe?
The other aicked the ashes from his
cigar aud answered, "Never!"
"Ah ? | have been thinking all the
evening that you reminded me of some
one / have met"
Possibly. There are many accidental
resemblances we all have our doubles,
suppose +"
Yes but what makes tho thing moro
singular is that the man mean had
portion Of his left hand-half of two fn-
gers--shot away"
The Hon Algernon's hand stole quick
ly to whore pistol might have been,
and muttered curse rose to his lips
when he remembered he was wearing
dress suit. Nothing Of this was lost
upon Jack, who found now that he had
corncred bis man. The suspicion that
had come to him at first became GER
tainty when he saw tho wounded hand.
He did not know how Constance ad-
mired that manned hand. For tho swind-
Ter had told of deed ofheroism in con-
nectiou with it.
No, there won't be any shooting"
said Jack calmly. but the games up;
know you for gambler, a swindler.
and would.be murderer"
Rather heavy indictment said
tho other with laugh. "What are
your terms p
Immediate departure"
"And this is called the season of good
will. I suppose that's what all this TOM
foolery Of decoration means. Well, |
can 90, and I've been in as bad strait
before. But did think | had got full
hand this time"
"Go now" said Jack, sternly. IL
will order tho carriage for you. Bat
you cannot SEQ either of the ladies'
again."
"Not even my bride, the fair Con-
stance ?"
'Dare to call her name and I'll stran-
glo you !"
"You are choleric man, Mr.. Van
derlyn. The course will be clear to you
now, 50 suppose | may wish you a
happy Christmas"
He had left tho house before either of
the ladies we're aware Of what had taken
place, and theu Jack told his story
Constance was overcome with humilia-
ton, though not for the loss of sup
posed lover. for vanity and ambition,
and not love, had led her astray Know
ing this, Jack was very ready to draw
veil over the whole affair. They sat up
far into the night. Indeed, Mrs. Rider
hid nodded repeatedly, and when Con
stance awoke next morning to the music
Of Christmas bells, it was with lighter
heart than she had known for some time.
And so may the glad Christmas bells in
other homes as well as hers
"lting out the false ring In the true"